Dear Editor,
Richmond’s tree bylaw could be called a joke if it wasn’t so sad.
My neighbours and I just watched every single tree on a Seafair lot being clearcut.
Gone are six poplars, two large evergreens and one magnificent birch.
The mother of two young sons, who formally rented the 1950s split-level house, happened to drive by to witness the sad event.
Her sons used to play under the poplar, swing in the evergreen. A hammock used to be strung to the tree...but no more.
The house was a lovely home with a brand new kitchen — granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, new bathroom.
But, no matter. Make way for a 4,000-square-foot monster home. No matter that the rental stock is disappearing in Richmond. No matter that the neighbourhood elementary school is also rumoured to be on the chopping block (not enough kids anymore).
Personally, I am sad to see the changes for the residents. But, what makes me sadder is to see the loss of nature; magnificent trees replaced with pavement and paving stones.
What makes me mad is Richmond’s response to the loss of nature — a tree removal bylaw.
I previously called the bylaw department to complain about the removal of the largest evergreen on our street. The response: “It’s OK, they have a permit. They want to put a driveway there.”
No thought about refusing the permit. No thought that maybe they could have put the driveway on the other side and left the beautiful tree.
Money paid, permit obtained, tree gone.
I noticed April 22 was Earth Day.
Who is going to swing on this tree again? Where will the birds nest? What other nature will we lose?
Steve Guthrie
Richmond
